Grain spreading device

ABSTRACT

A grain spreading device for evenly distribute grain as it is poured into a storage bin. The grain spreading device generally includes a flow-control ring (e.g., an evenflow ring) adapted to be positioned below a grain bin opening, the flow-control ring comprising an upper opening and a bottom, and a cone movably suspended below the flow-control ring by a plurality of springs to create a variable opening between the cone and the bottom of the flow-control ring, the plurality of springs creating a restoring force, wherein the variable opening increases in size when a weight of grain on the cone moves the cone away from the bottom of the flow-control ring against the restoring force of the plurality of springs.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.17/697,146 filed on Mar. 17, 2022 which issues as U.S. Pat. No.11,511,953 on Dec. 29, 2022, which is a continuation of U.S. ApplicationSer. No. 17/144,260 filed on Jan. 8, 2021 now issued as U.S. Pat. No.11,279,572, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.16/659,841 filed on Oct. 22, 2019 now issued as U.S. Pat. No.10,889,455. Each of the aforementioned patent applications, and anyapplications related thereto, is herein incorporated by reference intheir entirety.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable to this application.

BACKGROUND Field

Example embodiments in general relate to a grain spreading device forevenly distributing grain in a grain storage bin.

Related Art

Any discussion of the related art throughout the specification should inno way be considered as an admission that such related art is widelyknown or forms part of common general knowledge in the field.

Devices for spreading grain as it is being poured into a grain storagebin have been in use for years. However, existing or conventionalspreaders must typically be adjusted for a particular flow rate, andsuch adjustment must be made if the flow rate is subsequently changed.If the flow rate is not accommodated by the spreader, for example, if itis too high, the grain may simply overflow the spreader and spill intothe center of the bin, which is the very condition the spreader isdesigned to prevent. In addition, some spreaders are sensitive to theangle and location at which grain is delivered to the spreader, andrequire grain to be delivered to the center of the spreader, and flowingstraight down.

SUMMARY

An example embodiment is directed to a grain spreading device. The grainspreading device includes a flow-control ring (e.g., an even-flow ring)adapted to be positioned below a grain bin opening, the flow-controlring comprising an upper opening and a bottom, and a cone movablysuspended below the flow-control ring by a plurality of springs tocreate a variable opening between the cone and the bottom of theflow-control ring, the plurality of springs creating a restoring force,wherein the variable opening increases in size when a weight of grain onthe cone moves the cone away from the bottom of the flow-control ringagainst the restoring force of the plurality of springs.

In an example embodiment of the grain-spreading device, the flow-controlring may be suspended from the grain bin opening by a plurality ofhooks. In some example embodiments, each spring of the plurality ofsprings may be connected between an ear proximate the upper opening ofthe flow-control ring and a mounting point on the cone.

In still other embodiments of the grain-spreading device, the cone mayinclude a plurality of channels and a plurality of peaks between thechannels, each channel comprising an upper surface, wherein the variableopening comprises a plurality of gaps between the bottom of theflow-control ring and the upper surfaces of the channels, wherein eachmounting point is proximate to one of the plurality of peaks. Someembodiments may further comprise a plurality of legs attached to andextending away from the cone, wherein each leg has a first end alignedwith one of the plurality of channels. Further, each leg may bepivotably attached to the cone such that the angle of each leg relativeto the cone is adjustable.

In some example embodiments of the grain-spreading device the cone isattached to a guide assembly that is slidably positioned on an interiorof the flow-control ring, and the guide assembly maintains anorientation of the cone relative to the flow-control ring. The guideassembly may comprise a plurality of upright guides, and each uprightguide may further comprise a contact member positioned between theupright guide and an inner surface of the flow-control ring.

In still further embodiments, the grain-spreading device may include ameans for creating a variable opening proximate the bottom of theflow-control ring, wherein the variable opening increases in size when aweight of grain inside the flow-control ring increases.

There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, some of the embodiments ofthe grain spreading device in order that the detailed descriptionthereof may be better understood, and in order that the presentcontribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are additionalembodiments of the grain spreading device that will be describedhereinafter and that will form the subject matter of the claims appendedhereto. In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment ofthe grain spreading device in detail, it is to be understood that thegrain spreading device is not limited in its application to the detailsof construction or to the arrangements of the components set forth inthe following description or illustrated in the drawings. The grainspreading device is capable of other embodiments and of being practicedand carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that thephraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of thedescription and should not be regarded as limiting.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Example embodiments will become more fully understood from the detaileddescription given herein below and the accompanying drawings, whereinlike elements are represented by like reference characters, which aregiven by way of illustration only and thus are not limitative of theexample embodiments herein.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a grain spreading device in accordancewith an example embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a top view of a grain spreading device in accordance with anexample embodiment.

FIG. 3 is perspective view of a grain spreading device in accordancewith another example embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a top view of a grain spreading device in accordance withanother example embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a side view of a grain spreading device in accordance with anexample embodiment.

FIG. 6 is another side view of a grain spreading device in accordancewith an example embodiment.

FIG. 7 is an exploded view of a grain spreading device in accordancewith an example embodiment.

FIG. 8 is another exploded view of a grain spreading device inaccordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a partial section view of a grain spreading device inaccordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a partial section view of a grain spreading device installedfor use in accordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a partial section view of a grain spreading device in use inaccordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 12 is another partial section view of a grain spreading device inuse in accordance with an example embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION A. Overview

An example grain spreading device 10 generally comprises a flow-controlring 20 (e.g., an “evenflow” ring) adapted to be positioned below agrain bin opening 81, the flow-control ring 20 including an upperopening 22 and a bottom 24, and a cone 30 movably suspended below theflow-control ring 20 by a plurality of springs 40 to create a variableopening 27 between the cone 30 and the bottom 24 of the flow-controlring 20. The plurality of springs 40 create a restoring force, whereinthe variable opening 27 increases in size when a weight of grain 84 onthe cone 30 moves the cone away from the bottom 24 of the flow-controlring 20 against the restoring force of the plurality of springs 40.

The flow-control ring 20 may be suspended from the grain bin opening 81by a plurality of hooks 28. Each spring 40 may be connected between aspring-attachment ear 26 proximate the upper opening 22 of theflow-control ring 20 and a mounting point 36 on the cone. The cone 30may include a plurality of channels 32 and a plurality of peaks 34between the channels, each channel 32 comprising an upper surface 33.The variable opening 27 may include a plurality of gaps 29 between thebottom 24 of the flow-control ring 20 and the upper surfaces 33 of thechannels 32. Each spring mounting point 36 on the cone may be proximateto one of the plurality of peaks 34, so that grain flowing in thechannel is not impeded by the spring 40 or the mounting point 36.

Some embodiments may further comprise a plurality of legs 50 attached toand extending away from the cone 30, wherein each leg 50 has a first end52 aligned with one of the plurality of channels 32. Further, each leg50 may be pivotably attached by a hinge 56 or other means, to the cone30 such that the angle of each leg 50 relative to the cone 30 isadjustable.

The cone 30 may be attached to an upright guide assembly 60 that isslidably positioned within the flow-control ring 20. The guide assembly60 maintains an orientation of the cone 30 relative to the flow-controlring 20. More particularly, the guide assembly ensures that the cone, orthe outer edge of the cone, is in a plane that is substantiallyperpendicular to the axis of the flow-control ring, so that the variableopening 27 between the bottom of the flow-control ring 20 and the cone30, or the upper surfaces 33 of the cone's channels 32, is consistentand the same size all the way around the flow-control ring 20. The guideassembly 60 thus helps to ensure that the grain flowing in the channels32 flows equally, or fairly equally, in each channel 32.

The guide assembly may include a plurality of upright guides 62, whichmay be in the form of an angle iron, pointed inward toward the center ofthe flow-control ring 20. The upright guides 62 may be held together toform a rigid frame by using multiple support cross bars 66 extendingacross the assembly through the center, or by multiple support framemembers 68 that connect the upright guides 62 together with an octagonalstructure. Each upright guide 62 may further comprise a contact member64, which is typically positioned between the upright guide and theinner surface 21 of the flow-control ring 20, to reduce friction and toprovide a bearing surface to allow the guide assembly 60 to movesmoothly up and down within the interior of the flow-control ring 20.

B. Flow-Control Ring

As shown in FIGS. 1-12 , the grain spreading device 10 includes aflow-control ring 20 that is generally a cylindrical tube in form,although other shapes and forms are possible. The flow-control ring 20,which may also be referred to as an evenflow ring, serves to containincoming grain 84 being delivered into a grain bin 80, and aid in theeven distribution of the grain. For example, if the grain is introducedoff-center, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 , such that it hits the innersurface 21 of the flow-control ring 20, the grain will still be spreadevenly in the bottom of the bin, as will be explained in detail below.

The flow-control ring 20 also serves as a base from which the grainspreading device 10 is typically suspended in a grain bin opening 81, asalso shown in FIGS. 10-12 . The flow-control ring 20 comprises an upperopening 22, and a plurality of spring attachment ears 26 around the topof the ring. In the embodiment shown, there are eight such attachmentears 26 evenly spaced around the flow-control ring 20, although ofcourse different configurations and numbers of ears 26 are possible.Since the flow-control ring 20 is stationary relative to the binopening, it provides a fixed mounting for the springs 40. Accordingly,the springs 40 provide a restoring force that normally holds the cone asclose to the flow-control ring 20 as it will go, with the position ofthe cone 30 varying and the position of the flow-control ring 20unchanged during operation.

As best shown in FIGS. 1, 3, 7 and 8 , the flow-control ring 20 may alsoinclude means for suspending the grain spreading device 10 in positiondirectly under the grain bin opening 81, such as hooks 28 that can beattached at mounting points on the outside of the flow-control ring 20.The mounting points may comprise metal tabs with one or more holes sothat a nut and bolt arrangement may be used to secure hooks 28. A nutand bolt attachment allows the hooks 28 to pivot at the attachmentpoint, which in turn permits the grain spreading device 10 to be mountedin bins having differently sized and configured openings.

The flow-control ring 20, as mentioned, is generally in the shape of atube, with a bottom 24 on the opposite side of the tube from the upperopening 22. The bottom 24 and the upper opening 22 may generally beparallel (such that the upper and lower edges lie in parallel planes),although to accommodate the shape of the cone 30, the bottom 24 of theflow-control ring 20 may have notches, as seen in FIGS. 7 and 8 .

C. Cone and Upright Guide Assembly

As best shown in FIGS. 7-8 , the grain spreading device 10 also includesa cone 30 that is movably positioned near the bottom 24 of theflow-control ring 20. The cone 30 may be in the shape of an angled cone,with the point of the cone directed upwards, toward the interior of thegrain spreading device 10. The cone generally comprises a plurality ofchannels 32, separated by peaks 34 between the channels. The channelsserve to guide and carry the grain 84 as it flow through the grainspreading device 10, with the peaks tending to separate the flows anddirecting the grain into the channels 32. The channels 32 have an uppersurface 33, over which the grain 84 will flow when the device 10 is inuse.

In addition, at the outer periphery of the cone 30, near or attached toeach peak 34, is a spring mounting point 36. As shown in the figures,the spring mounting points 36 are in the form of rods extending outwardfrom the peak, such that the springs 40 and mounting points 36 will notimpede or affect the flow of grain in the channels 32. Of course, othermountings are possible, such as holes through which the ends of springs40 may pass. In the embodiment shown there are eight springs 40, eightmounting points 36, and eight spring ears 26. Other numbers of springs,as well as other configurations are also possible, and the cone 30 inthe example embodiments is movably positioned below the flow-controlring 20, and guide assembly 60 is attached to the cone 30 and holds thecone's position so that it does not tilt relative to the flow-controlring 20. Since the cone 30 does not tilt, and is guided as it slides upand down relative to flow-control ring 20, the movement of the cone willcreate a variable sized opening 27 between the cone and the bottom ofthe flow-control ring 20, and the opening has substantially the samedistance and characteristic all the way around the bottom of theflow-control ring 20.

As mentioned, the cone 30 is securely mounted to an upright guideassembly 60 that fits slidably inside the flow-control ring 20. Theguide assembly 60 has a number of contact members 64, which may beplastic, nylon, or other hard, low-friction material that allows theupright guide assembly 60 to slide freely up and down within theflow-control ring 20. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4 , the contact members 64are positioned between the individual upright guides 62 and the innersurface 21 of flow-control ring 20. The contact members may be attachedto the upright guides 62, which may be angle iron sections that easilyaccommodate the contact members 64, and also provide the appropriaterigidity to the guide assembly 60.

The upright guides 62 are connected to each other, and held in a rigidframe, by either support cross bars 66, as shown in the embodiment ofFIGS. 1-2 , or by support frame members 68, shown in subsequent figures,and best shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 . In the latter embodiment, the framemembers 68 (of which there may be multiple sets) from an octagonal framethat leaves the center of the grain spreading device 10 open to receiveand hold grain 84, as also shown in FIGS. 11-12 , although the device 10will also function with either of the guide configurations, or adifferent configuration that holds the upright guides 62 in position.

A plurality of legs 50 may also be attached with hinges 56 to the cone30, with the legs 50 being aligned with the channels 32 of the cone, sothat grain flowing in the channels 32 will continue to flow onto theassociated legs 50, from a first end 52 of each leg, to a second end 54of each leg, and from there into the grain bin. As best shown in FIGS. 9and 10 , the legs 50 each have attached to their undersides a kicker arm58, which serves as a lever to allow for the adjustable positioning ofthe legs 50. Specifically, the bottom of plunger 70 can be pushed down,which in turn pushes down on the ends of kicker arms 58, causing thelegs 50 to pivot about hinges 56 and to extend outward and away fromcone 30.

The center of cone 30 may include a plunger guide 38, as shown in FIGS.7 and 8 , which may be in the form of a square tube with a number ofholes aligned across the tube. Plunger 70 may also include a squarecenter rod with a number of holes cross drilled through it. Thisarrangement allows the plunger 70 to be positioned at various lengthsextending from the bottom of the cone 30, and then locked into placewith a hairpin 39 inserted through the appropriate holes in the guide 38and the plunger 70. Accordingly, the legs 50 are easily and readilyadjustable with arms 58, hinges 56, and the plunger 70, to allow thegrain spreading device 10 to work well in bins 80 of various diameters.FIG. 9 illustrates the legs 50 in both a relaxed and an extendedposition.

D. Operation of Preferred Embodiment

In use, the grain spreading device 10 allows for a self-regulatingspreading of grain, which works well independent of the flow rate ofgrain into the bin. Further, the device also accomplishes evendistribution even if grain is poured into the bin by an off-center auger82, or with a flow that is not straight down into the grain spreadingdevice 10. This is illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 12 .

A grains spreading device similar to that shown in the figures, butwithout regulating springs 40, will work to distribute grain evenly, buttypically must be set up with an opening around the perimeter at thebottom of a ring is optimized for a particular flow rate. This can be aproblem if different equipment or a different operator causes grain tobe poured into the bin at a different rate. For example, if the rate islower, and the opening is relatively large, an off-center introductionof grain may result in most of the grain flowing down just a few of thelegs, or even a single leg, defeating the purpose of the spreader. Thishappens because the opening may be large enough that all the grain canexit from the opening toward one side of the spreader before the grainaccumulates within the flow-control ring so that a fairly equal amountof grain flow into all the channels.

If, on the other hand, the flow rate of the grain is much higher thanthe spreader opening has been adjusted for, the grain may fill the ringbefore it can all flow out the proper channels and legs, and simplyspill over the top of the ring and into the center of the bin, againdefeating the purpose of the spreader.

Both scenarios are undesirable, as an uneven piling of grain within abin, and especially the fines in the grain, can cause issues with evencooling and drying of the grain, due to uneven and impeded air flow.

The spring-regulated device disclosed here prevents these problems, bymaking the spreader 10 self-regulating. For example, as best shown inFIGS. 5 and 11 , when there is little or no grain within theflow-control ring 20, the restoring force of the springs 40 will holdthe cone 30 as far up as it can go, and the design, size, and shape ofthe cone 30 is such that there will still remain small individual gaps29 between the upper surfaces 33 of the channels 32 and the bottom ofthe flow-control ring 20. These gaps 29, collectively, comprise avariable opening 27 at the bottom of the device, through which grain canflow. However, the opening 27 is small enough that even an off-center,low rate flow of grain will not simply flow out one side of the device,but will instead pile up inside the flow-control ring 20, as shown inFIG. 11 .

In this state, since the grain 84 is now in fairly equal height aboveeach gap 29, it will flow equally through the channels 32 all the wayaround the grain spreading device 10 and evenly distributed into thebottom of the bin 80, as shown.

FIGS. 6 and 12 illustrate the condition of the spreading device 10 whenthere is a high flow rate. In this condition, the weight of the grain 84acting against the force of springs 40, pushes the cone 30 down,creating a much larger variable opening 27, and corresponding gaps 29between the upper surfaces 33 of the cone 30 and the bottom of theflow-control ring 20. This larger opening, as contrasted with a fixedopening, is regulated by the springs 40, such that it allows a high flowof grain 84 to flow over the cone 30 in channels 32 and onto legs 50.With appropriate spring force, the opening 27 and gaps 29 will besufficient to prevent the grain from entirely filling the flow-controlring 20 and spilling over the top. This operational condition isillustrated in FIG. 12 , which again results in the grain 84 beingdistributed evenly over the bottom of bin 80.

As shown for example in FIGS. 5 and 6 , the spring attachment ears 26may have spring attachment holes at different distances away frommounting points 36 on the cone, such that the spring force and thresholdat which the cone begins to move can be adjusted, simply by attachingthe springs at different points on the ears 26.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used hereinhave the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill inthe art to which this invention belongs. Although methods and materialssimilar to or equivalent to those described herein can be used in thepractice or testing of the grain spreading device, suitable methods andmaterials are described above. All publications, patent applications,patents, and other references mentioned herein are incorporated byreference in their entirety to the extent allowed by applicable law andregulations. The grain spreading device may be embodied in otherspecific forms without departing from the spirit or essential attributesthereof, and it is therefore desired that the present embodiment beconsidered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. Anyheadings utilized within the description are for convenience only andhave no legal or limiting effect.

What is claimed is:
 1. A grain-spreading device, comprising: a ringadapted to be positioned below a grain bin opening of a grain bin, thering comprising an upper opening and a bottom end; a cone movablysuspended below the ring by a plurality of springs to create a variableopening between the cone and the bottom end of the ring, wherein thecone comprises a plurality of channels, wherein the plurality of springscreate a force applied to the cone, and wherein the variable openingincreases in size when a weight of grain on the cone moves the cone awayfrom the bottom end of the ring against the force of the plurality ofsprings; a guide assembly extending upwardly from the cone, wherein theguide assembly is movably positioned with respect to the ring; and aplurality of legs attached to and extending away from the cone, whereineach of the plurality of legs is aligned with one of the plurality ofchannels.
 2. The grain-spreading device of claim 1, further comprising aplurality of hooks connected to the ring to suspend the ring from thegrain bin below the grain bin opening.
 3. The grain-spreading device ofclaim 1, wherein the variable opening comprises a plurality of gapsbetween the bottom end of the ring and the plurality of channels.
 4. Thegrain-spreading device of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of legsis pivotably attached to the cone such that an angle of each of theplurality of legs relative to the cone is adjustable.
 5. Thegrain-spreading device of claim 4, wherein each of the plurality of legsis pivotably attached to the cone by a corresponding hinge.
 6. Thegrain-spreading device of claim 4, further comprising an adjustmentassembly connected to the plurality of legs to adjust the angle of eachof the plurality of legs relative to the cone.
 7. A grain-spreadingdevice, comprising: a ring adapted to be positioned below a grain binopening of a grain bin, wherein the ring comprises an upper opening anda bottom end; a cone movably suspended below the ring by a plurality ofsprings to create a variable opening between the cone and the bottom endof the ring, wherein the plurality of springs create a force applied tothe cone, and wherein the variable opening increases in size when aweight of grain on the cone moves the cone away from the bottom end ofthe ring against the force of the plurality of springs; and a guideassembly extending upwardly from the cone, wherein the guide assembly ismovable with respect to the ring to maintain an orientation of the conerelative to the ring.
 8. The grain-spreading device of claim 7, furthercomprising a plurality of legs attached to and extending away from thecone.
 9. The grain-spreading device of claim 7, further comprising aplurality of hooks connected to the ring to suspend the ring from thegrain bin below the grain bin opening.
 10. The grain-spreading device ofclaim 7, wherein the cone comprises a plurality of channels.
 11. Thegrain-spreading device of claim 10, wherein the variable openingcomprises a plurality of gaps between the bottom end of the ring and theplurality of channels.
 12. The grain-spreading device of claim 7,wherein the guide assembly are positioned on an interior of the ring.13. A grain-spreading device, comprising: a ring adapted to bepositioned below a grain bin opening, the ring comprising an upperopening and a bottom end; a cone movably suspended below the ring by aplurality of springs to create a variable opening between the cone andthe bottom end of the ring, wherein the variable opening increases insize when a weight of grain on the cone moves the cone away from thebottom end of the ring against a force of the plurality of springs; aguide assembly extending upwardly from the cone, wherein the guideassembly is movably positioned with respect to the ring; and a pluralityof legs attached to and extending away from the cone.
 14. Thegrain-spreading device of claim 13, wherein the cone comprises aplurality of channels.
 15. The grain-spreading device of claim 13,further comprising a plurality of hooks connected to the ring to suspendthe ring from the grain bin below the grain bin opening.
 16. Thegrain-spreading device of claim 13, wherein the variable openingcomprises a plurality of gaps between the bottom end of the ring and thecone.
 17. The grain-spreading device of claim 13, wherein each of theplurality of legs is pivotably attached to the cone such that an angleof each of the plurality of legs relative to the cone is adjustable. 18.The grain-spreading device of claim 17, wherein each of the plurality oflegs is pivotably attached to the cone by a corresponding hinge.
 19. Thegrain-spreading device of claim 17, further comprising an adjustmentassembly connected to the plurality of legs to adjust the angle of eachof the plurality of legs relative to the cone.
 20. The grain-spreadingdevice of claim 13, further comprising a plurality of hooks connected tothe ring to suspend the ring from the grain bin below the grain binopening.